Praying Like Jesus

Focused Praying: Luke 18:1-8

Speculation about the imminent return of Jesus has always been happening - even before Jesus died, was resurrected and ascended into heaven.

Luke 17:20–21 (HCSB)

Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God will come, He answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable; no one will say, ‘Look here!’ or ‘There!’ For you see, the kingdom of God is among you.”

For Jesus and His contemporaries the idea of God’s Kingdom was urgent. It had only been a few decades since some Jewish leaders had risen up against Seleucid powers (descendants of Alexander the Great who dominated the middle east 300 years of so before Jesus’ birth). In Jesus’ era these men who led a revolt were heroes. Their acts of bravery were celebrated regularly and their example was an inspiration to many in Jesus’ day who were seeking to eliminate Rome’s presence.

The Pharisees were not the only ones asking. Jesus’ disciples were eager to know when they could see God’s Kingdom fully revealed (see Acts 1:6).

Jesus’ answer in vs 21 was unsettling. As Jesus went on to explain in Luke 17:22-37, circumstances in the world would deteriorate.

In the midst of this constant cycle of deterioration, Jesus

Luke 18:1 HCSB

He then told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not become discouraged:

Jesus knew that the days were rapidly approaching for His departure via death, resurrection and ascension.

He also knew that the time between His departure and ultimate return would be difficult and demanding.

Paul, an early follower of Jesus who left behind a number of letters to first century believers called on believers in a Greek city known as Thessalonica to

1 Thessalonians 5:17 HCSB

Pray constantly.

Why?

To illustrate the need for constant and persistent prayer, Jesus told a story, or what the NT defines as a parable -a common teaching tool that was memorable and focused on one point.

READ Luke 18:2-5

Featuring two distinctly opposite personalities, Jesus illustrates for His followers a need for persistence.

The judge, described as one who didn’t fear God or respect people, is approached by a woman - a widow - who is seeking some act of justice.

Describing the judge as one who did not fear God or respect people is to identify one as thoroughly wicked.

The widow, on the other hand, is recognized as one all alone in the world, a woman who is without resources.

Her request is not spelled out except as a request for ‘justice.’ While not clearly specified the word in the original language concerns

The Gospel according to Luke A Parable on Bold and Persistent Prayer (18:1–8)

ultimate and existential issues—life, livelihood, honor. These are not elective but inescapable issues, issues about which one prays earnestly.

Persistence Pays Off

The judge, though not personally inclined to grant the request, finally does - just to escape her constant badgering.

God’s Eagerness to Grant Justice

Jesus argues from the lesser to the greater - if an unjust judge, who neither fears God or respects people acts to provide justice, how much more will God respond to the requests of His people.

God’s Nature and Justice

In most English translations we find the word ‘justice.’ ‘Justice’ is a generic term that is rooted in a fundamental characteristic of God:

RIGHTEOUSNESS

God does not grant justice according to a code, or an external set of laws. Rather, God acts to bring about justice simply because He is righteous.

Everything He does is an expression of that which is right, that which is just.

Jesus reminds His listeners that because God is righteous, just, He will act in ways that reflect His character.

This is important because in His statements just prior to the parable He indicated that the unveiling of the Kingdom of God will come with a suddenness that no one can prepare for.

Like the rain in Noah’s day, like the fire from heaven that fell upon Sodom and Gomorrah, only a few were aware of God’s character.

Noah and his family, Lot and his family were aware that God was going to act.

Even as prepared as they were, Lot’s wife couldn’t resist the temptation to look back at what she was leaving behind.

Will Jesus find faithfulness when He returns?

The days of Noah and Lot were marked with significant decadence and moral decay.

Jesus has reminded His followers that between their day and the final unveiling of God’s kingdom depravity and decay will be evident.

As one writer noted,

Luke & Acts Commentary

The real question is not the adequacy of God but the perseverance of his servants.

REFLECT AND RESPOND

Throughout the history of God’s dealings with His people - i.e. the Bible - we find multiple experiences of God’s people asking,

How long, O LORD?

The real question is not when? or what?

Those are the questions that dominate our current discussions.

On the day Jesus ascended to His rightful place at the right had of God the disciples asked:

Acts 1:6 HCSB

So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”

Jesus didn’t answer that question. Instead He gave them - and us - a promise and assignment:

Acts 1:8 HCSB

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The real question then is:

Will we be faithful to God’s assignment as we wait?

Jesus’ parable offers hope and practical tools as we wait:

We can trust God’s Nature

How much more? If an unjust judge acts in ways to provide justice for the oppressed, the vulnerable, those who have nothing,

How much more will God - who is righteous - respond to our prayers?

Are we confident in the nature of God?

Do we make daily choices reflecting our faith that God WILL provide.

Henry Blackaby challenges his readers:

What God tells you may be difficult. It could be costly. But with His command will also come His powerful presence. It is an awesome thing to be on mission with God!

Blackaby, Henry; Blackaby, Richard. Flickering Lamps: Christ and His Church (p. 42). Blackaby Ministries International. Kindle Edition.

God’s presence is always available

The widow persistently approached the unjust judge.

How persistent are we in the privilege we’ve been given to approach God’s throne?

The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, as does the Son.

If you aren’t confident in God’s nature, God’s love and care for you, meet me over here after we end today - let me help you gain confidence in whom God is and what He has for you.

Maybe you are just weary of praying for the same things and never seeing any answers. Again, come and let’s have a conversation about what a persistent prayer looks life.